Infrastructure Manager

Contract duration: 12 month (Renewable)

Location: Gaza Strip / Palestine

Starting Date 1- October- 2023

Première Urgence Internationale is a French non-profit, non-political, non-religious non-governmental international organization (NGO); which has been operational in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since 2002. 

Its overall objective in the oPt is to provide assistance and protection to the most vulnerable Palestinians. PUI contributes to protecting the rights of Palestinians, improving access to basic humanitarian services and building the resilience of the most vulnerable groups by applying an integrated multi-sectoral approach based on the needs, vulnerabilities and priorities of individuals and communities.

Since 2017, PUI has been implementing projects linked to cultural heritage in the Gaza Strip, through various funding, in several archaeological sites, notably the monastery of Saint Hilarion in Nuseirat, the Mukheitim Byzantine church in Jabaliya, the Roman Necropolis in Gaza City and the Mosaic pavement of Al Bureij. PUI, in partnership with the French Biblical and Archaeological School of Jerusalem (EBAF) and in collaboration with various CBOs and national/international academic institutions, has conducted a programme of preservation, protection and promotion of the tangible and intangible heritage. This has included archaeological activities of restoration and stabilization of the remains, international skills training and knowledge sharing programs, cultural activities of various nature and community mobilization events around cultural heritage protection.

In 2022, PUI has secured funding from the Agence Française de Development (AFD) to implement a five-year project of preservation and socio-economic development on the site the Saint Hilarion Monastery. The main objectives revolve around :

1. Infrastructures and site enhancement based on the recommendation of a Conservation and Management Plan (CMP), and notably the creation of an interpretation centre, targeting the reception of the public as well as the development of cultural activities, scientific mediation and exhibitions. This objective also includes the construction of a protective cover above the archeological remains, along with a photovoltaic unit to generate revenues for the site, thus allowing the development of a sustainable and innovative economic model.
2. Development of a training programme targeting youth in the field of heritage preservation, restoration and valorization, cultural mediation, site management and technical maintenance, scientific and cultural programming.
3. Setup of communication plan and outreach activities aiming at promoting the site of St Hilarion outside of Gaza Strip in East-Jerusalem and in the West Bank through the establishment of exhibitions and innovative tools.
4. Co-construction of by-laws and coordination mechanisms for the establishment of a stable governance framework to ensure sustainable management of the site.

This project integrates both gender mainstreaming throughout the project’s activities, as well as activities promoting gender transformative action within the targeted communities. Besides, support to the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of the population in the Gaza strip through the utilization of cultural heritage is incorporated.

This project is implemented in partnership with several institutions and universities, both local and international. It is implemented within PUI-led INTIQAL consortium that includes Gaza Strip, South Hebron Hills and East Jerusalem. The consortium seeks to set in motion a virtuous circle by linking the themes of heritage preservation, long-term economic, cultural & social development, allowing multiple benefits in terms of sustainable development, strengthening the resilience of local populations and the promotion of Palestinian cultural heritage at local and international levels.

This is a full-time position from Sunday to Thursday.

Tasks and Responsibilities

 MAIN TASKS

Under the direct management of Gaza Strip Field Coordinator and the functional management of the INTIQAL Consortium Coordinator, the key objective of this position is to lead the contracting authority (PUI) to make sure that the construction / infrastructures activities of the AFD funded five-year project of preservation and socio-economic development on the site the Saint Hilarion Monastery (notably under the first objective presented above) are implemented in a coordinated, efficient, effective, timely and qualitative manner. The AFD project infrastructures manager is the guarantor of effective and qualitative realization of those activities aiming at sustainable protection and valorization of the remains, taking into account the highly sensitive nature of the archeological site. The project should be led with careful attention paid to heritage preservation while maintaining a public-oriented approach, in order to promote the attendance and engagement of local communities.

In strong coordination with the Consortium members and with all stakeholders, s/he should lead the achievement of the various phases of work leading to the completion of the whole facilities and infrastructure program, including Completion of preliminary studies ( Architectural, Scenography & Technical program), Design studies and Works’ realization.

S/he will also support the Consortium Coordinator in guaranteeing the effective and qualitative internal and external information management according to internal consortium agreed guidelines and donor requirements, contributing to ensuring the synergy among all Consortium members

DETAILED TASKS 

1. PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION: FACILITIES & INFRASTRUCTURE COMPONENTS

Planning

• Under the Gaza Strip Field Coordinator supervision and in coordination with the Consortium project teams and external stakeholders, lead the comprehensive planning of the various stages of the infrastructure construction implementation, and set up a shared roadmap/workplan including the diverse tasks to be led simultaneously, identifying key milestones, anticipating key constraints and interferences. Taking into account works duration, administrative procedures and validation times, this general planning / workplan should encompass 3 main stages:
• The definition of the overall facilities and infrastructure architectural & technical program (in close relation with the scientific and cultural project)
• The overall design phase for the realization of facilities and infrastructures: Architecture & Engineering, Scenography, Landscape.
• The works’ implementation phases
• According to the validated roadmap, ensure the anticipated planning of activities and mobilization of required resources;
• Design the required technical methodologies and tools, including but not limited to developing SoPs, ToRs and technical specifications, ad hoc reports, capitalization reports, etc.

Implementation and Monitoring

• Oversee, in collaboration with logistics department and PUI technical manager, the Consultancy procurement process, including preparation /gathering of all necessary documentation for the consultants to provide appropriate technical and financial offers;
• Supervise the consultant’s work and deliverables and provide technical validation of the final deliverables;
• Oversee, in collaboration with logistics department and technical manager, the Construction Contractors’ procurement process, including preparation /gathering of all necessary documentation for the companies to provide appropriate technical and financial offers;
• Work closely with the Scientific Coordinator and Gaza Strip Field Coordinator to protect and preserve the archaeological remains during the construction phase.
• Supervise the work of the Construction Contractors and suppliers on the field, ensuring that initial design requirements, technical quality and standards are considered and respected during project implementation, and provide technical validation of the final deliverables;
• Monitor the construction processes closely to identify any deviations from the plans and specifications, taking corrective actions when necessary.
• Ensure budget forecast and follow-up on construction/infrastructure budget lines, identify possible gaps with initial allocated budgets, propose priorities and arbitrations to the Gaza Strip Field Coordinator;
• Consolidate monthly activity / indicator follow up, analyze them and advise the Consortium Coordinator in introducing improvements in case of need.

Quality Control

• Ensure, with the support from MEAL teams, that all MEAL activities are properly designed and effectively implemented to follow-up construction works;
• Ensure the project progress is effectively monitored through regular data collection, analysis of indicators and activities and documented with proper sources of verification;
• Liaise regularly with sectorial technical coordinator/advisors to supervise the quality of implementation of the project;
• Properly liaise with sectorial Committees to ensure quality, consistency and compliance with the initial objectives all along its implementation phases.
• Ensure compliance with relevant local and international guidelines and regulations for heritage preservation.

Risk Management:

• Identify potential project risks and implementing mitigation strategies. This includes maintaining a risk register and reporting major risks to the Gaza Strip Field Coordinator and the Consortium Coordinator.

2. SUPERVISION OF CONTRACTORS AND EXTERNAL REPRESENTATION

• Coordinate with external partners and Consortium Teams to define the objectives and contents of required Consultancies: Architecture, Scenography and Engineering Program definition, Surveys and technical studies, Design Consultancy, Social & Environmental impact Studies, etc.;
• In collaboration with technical manager, act as focal point with relevant local authorities for all matters related to permits and legal clearances, insurances, taxes, etc.;
• Support and/or coordinate internal/external technical visits (donors, authorities, partners,...) to monitor and supervise the proper implementation of the infrastructures / construction activities;
• Establish and maintain relationships with all stakeholders, including the local community, contractors, and funders, to ensure their expectations are managed and satisfied.
• When required, represent the consortium project teams toward any official external actors, donor, authorities, stakeholders;
• Contribute to the follow-up of context evolution, information related to the area of implementation of the project and eventual security related risk.In close coordination with the Gaza Strip Field coordinator, manage and resolve any conflicts that may arise between different stakeholders or within the project team.
• Contribute, with the Consortium Coordinator, to project kick-off/close-out meetings and to evaluation and lessons learnt exercises.

3. SUPPORT PLANNING AND FOLLOW UP

• Follow up on contractors/suppliers’ payment planning, ensure it is done accordingly to budget forecast;
• Ensure, with logistics teams, that all contractors/suppliers are following agreed procedures and guidelines and that logistics information is effectively and timely shared;
• Follow up on procurement plan for infrastructure activities, on technical tender analysis and selection of contractors/suppliers, stock & equipment management plan.
• Provide regular status updates to the Gaza Strip Field Coordinator and the Consortium Coordinator. This includes updates on project progress, budget utilization, risk management, and other critical aspects of the project.
• If project changes are required, manage these changes in a controlled manner, including securing any necessary approvals and communicating changes to relevant stakeholders.

4. GRANTS, COMPLIANCE & AUDIT MANAGEMENT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE / CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

 Grants

• Supervise the preparation, follow up and reporting of the Environmental and Social Engagement Action Plan and ensure that the required actions are taken in due time both at PUI level and with contractors;
• Contribute to the collection and consolidation of narrative, financial, logistic, technical, etc. reports for donor reporting;
• Contribute to the preparation of documentation for any project modifications, including budget revisions, amendments or extensions.

Compliance & Audit

• Provide weekly/regular updates to the Gaza Strip Field Coordinator and INTIQAL Consortium coordinator;
• Ensure that donor requirements are respected by all contractors/consultants, sharing information and conducting briefing if required on proposed systems and processes;
• Support the Consortium Coordinator in controls, spot checks, and internal consortium audits as agreed in the consortium partnership agreements, based on the due diligence / partner capacity assessment;
• Coordinate and lead at field level the answer to external audit request.

5. CAPACITY BUILDING

• In collaboration with line/functional managers, participate in the recruitment process(es) of technical staff at base level by: participate in drafting job descriptions/technical tests/interview forms, shortlisting resumes and conducting interviews;
• Ensure the adherence to all PUI’s policies, rules and regulations;
• Assist in defining and implementing the required training(s) to PUI staff and/or suppliers team members and other relevant colleagues regarding task to be developed on the framework of the project;
• Ensure good communication, coordination and information level of concerned members of the field teams during regular coordination meetings (or other when required).

جميع الحقوق محفوظة لموقع جوبس.

REQUIREMENTS

• 15 years experience in civil engineering and heritage protection
• At least 10 years of experience in a similar role (management of complex infrastructure projects)
• Experience in directly supervising design consultancy & works contracts for the realization of complex projects
• Experience in the field of supervising projects in the field of heritage valorization and/or creation of cultural facilities
• Experience in coordinating multi-agency teams / interventions
• Management of complex projects
• Management of design consultancy & works contracts for the creation of public facilities
• Knowledge of the cycle of implementation of a development project: preliminary studies, design studies, construction. Objectives, expected output data, duration, stakes, actors involved. Success factors, risks and points of vigilance.
• Knowledge in Project Cycle Management (including activities, budgets, logistics…)
• Knowledge of donor requirements (procedures, reporting…)
• Previous experience in managing teams with no direct hierarchy link
• Very good command of spoken and written English and Arabic
• Strong command in writing and editing documents in English
• Strong computer skills essential, including ability to operate Microsoft Word, Excel, database management software.

DESIRABLE

• Master´s degree in architecture & heritage protection, or civil engineering or other relevant areas; or equivalent professional experience.
• Past work experience and/or knowledge of donor compliance requirements (AFD)
• International experience desirable
• Knowledge of international standards for the development and opening to the public of heritage and/or archaeological sites
• Very good command of spoken and written French

Required Personal Characteristics

• Proven capacity for analyzing and synthetizing comprehensive information and technical data;
• Problem solving and leadership skills;
• Systemic thinking and global vision
• Organization & anticipation
• Ability to write and edit reports under deadline pressure;
• Ability to guarantee effective and timely outputs;
• Good communications skills for public presentations
• Capacity to work with various team members with various stakeholders’ dynamics
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage a varied workload;
• Ability to listen, dialogue and negotiate
• Self-motivated, flexible and adaptable to the needs of the team and organization;
• Inter-personal skills – team player;
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities in personal workload.
• Strong interest in heritage and culture
• A willingness to live and work in insecure / secluded environment with strong movement restrictions;
• Regular field visits (if security allows) to implementation areas are necessary / Significant travel within the country

APPLICATION PROCESS

PUI provides a work environment that reflects the values of integrity, diversity and gender equality. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from women and underrepresented cultural or social groups, particularly people with disabilities and people from communities highly affected by occupation-related violence (including settler violence).

All PUI workers adhere to the values and principles outlined in the PUI Code of Conduct and policies, including the Protection from Exploitation and Abuse Policy and the Child Protection Policy.”

If you believe you are the candidate we are looking for, please fill in the form in the link below:

Infrastructure Manager - Application Form

In addition, please submit a cover letter and a detailed resume before August 30, 2023,12:00 pm by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. Please indicate the Position Title you are applying for "Infrastructure Manager" in the E-mail subject line.

Incomplete applications or Unfilled Forms will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.